Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson signs a one-year contract worth $12 million to avoid an NHL salary arbitration hearing, the team announces. The agreement, reported as reached on July 21, comes about 2 1/2 weeks after Robertson files for arbitration and one day before his 27th birthday. Dallas general manager Jim Nill says Robertson is a key part of the franchise since he is drafted in 2017. Multiple outlets report the deal is meant to settle the dispute without an arbitration process. One report also notes Robertson previously rejects a sign-and-trade arrangement with the Seattle Kraken in the month before he files for arbitration. The contract is described as covering the upcoming season, with the reported $12 million salary serving as the final resolution of the arbitration timing. With the settlement reached, Robertson and the Stars move forward on a deal that prevents a third-party ruling on his next-season pay.